Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Linkwood
★ 4.50
£179
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Linkwood |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 58.5% |
| Age | 12 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £250 | £178.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.50/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).
Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £179 vs £250.
For beginners: Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £178.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£178.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (58.5%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Who should buy Linkwood?
Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)